This area of Hampshire is very flat, so we thought we would take a visit to Horsedown Common this morning near Well as there is a trig point there which promises a height of 165 metres (whoopee), but hopefully also some views of the area. The snow is still really deep, in some places up to our knees, the prolonged freezing temperatures have meant there has been very little thaw, although we did see some spectacular icicles hanging from house roofs. On approaching the common (on the footpath) there was a notice attached to the tree stating the common was private property and that there was no footpath to the trig point. Amusingly, there was also a notice on the trig point saying if you can read this, you could have read the other notice – so what were we still doing there. It was at this point we heard a loud bellowing “Oi”……and we made a quick (as possible in knee deep snow) retreat back to the footpath……musing about miserable, cantankerous old land owners.

On further investigation back home it would appear that Hampshire County Council classified the area as common land without application. An objection was upheld and the Association of Commons Registration Authorities refused to confirm the registration on 23rd may 1978. However, it would still appear to be marked as common land, by the Ordnance Survey anyway. Looks like the landowners still have their knickers in a twist over it!

Anyway, we should have lovely toned bottoms now from traipsing through all that snow. Popped into The Chequers at Well for a quick half (forgot to take any cash), but were very glad to leave them to it….serving Sunday Lunches is not something I wish to revisit.